Dual Olympian Kylie Wheeler inspires Iona's Athletics Team

Excitement was in the air at Iona Presentation College this week, as the Athletics team were joined by dual Olympian Kylie Wheeler in their final team rally before the Interschool Athletics Carnival.

Kylie has six national titles in heptathlon; two silver medals from the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games; and represented Australia at the Athens and Beijing Olympics.

She spoke to the Athletics team about her career, race preparation and how to get the adrenaline pumping before a competition. Most importantly, she reminded the team to enjoy themselves.

"Remember what you have been taught. You've done the work; now it is time to enjoy the moment," she said.

Kylie began her athletics career at the tender age of eight, when she started Little Athletics.

"Over the years, I did reasonably well, I was certainly no super star."

"At 13, I made my first State team and it was really quite daunting."

"It wasn't until my first year out of school that I made the Australian team."

Kylie was a wonderful role model for the girls and a great advocate for trying your best and giving life your all.

"Everything happens for a reason," she said, before speaking about some of her missed opportunities, including not being accepted into the Bachelor of Medicine. The positive outcome for Kylie was that studying a Bachelor of Science allowed her the time to pursue a career as an athlete.

The IGSSA Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday 12 September, an event the girls are incredibly excited about.